Caterer:

"We love food, but had a large guest list to feed on a small budget. After an exhaustive search of the usual caterers, we found some delicious offerings, but not without breaking the bank. As a result, we were willing to turn to an unusual source for our wedding reception catering - a college cafeteria. It sounds crazy, but our gamble really paid off. We were able to feed 180 guests for an incredible price. Our Menu: Ravioli parmarosa, asparagas with lemon zest, salad, breadsticks, raspberry iced tea, and a chocolate fountain with a cut-fruit cascade. The staff at the Union Market took our simple menu and turned it into a meal that our guests raved about! The presentation was carried out with detail, and the fruit cascade was exquisite! I have to say that Jennifer McFadyen and the staff of the Union Market went above and beyond, and were flexible and a pleasure to work with. The food was prepared fresh the day of, even the bread was baked fresh, which was evident in the taste. We would re-hire this vendor in an instant!"

Florist:

"When you have a budget you have to choose the things you will splurge on and the things you will budget. Since photography was our priority, I decided to handtie our wedding flowers with the help of my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Americanfloraldistributors.com had a good rating, so I went with them. The flowers arrived in boxes when expected, and looking slightly tired, also as expected. Almost all of the flowers revived, however some did not and had to be replaced. The downside of an online company, you have to call within 48 hrs for a refund, so some of the cost was absorbed. Also, factor in a few hours of work. The upside, we got amazing florals we otherwise would not have been able to afford."

Lighting Vendor:

"There is no one single way to instantly transform a room like the right lighting! Due to our budget, we rented a basic reception hall for nearly nothing. We knew we had some work to do if it was going to be the reception venue we dreamed of. We got several quotes from professional lighting companies to use par can lighting to throw splashes of color on the walls. These totaled to thousands of dollars. Instead, we rented 10 par can lights from MWSound and Lighting for around $15 a piece, and viola! the room was transformed into an enchanting venue. The staff at MWSound and Lighting was very helpful and courteous, giving us advice on what would work best in our situation and how to safely operate the lighting. We were so pleased that we rented our wireless speakers and mics for our ceremony here as well. We would re-hire this vendor in an instant!"

Wedding Day Beauty Vendor:

"Julie from Bella did my wedding day makeup. She was very flexible with timing, gladly came to an alternate location for my convenience, and did an absolutely stunning job with my makeup. I would re-hire this vendor in an instant!"

Ortner Center, Union College:

Recreation:

"1st & VanDorn to 27th & Saltillo Rd
Located along Lincoln's western edge, Wilderness Park is a 1475 acre undeveloped park that has been allowed to let nature rule. It is not a true wilderness, however it does provide visitors the opportunity to understand nature and gives a sense of wilderness within an urban area. It provides Lincoln with a park that is not manicured or developed like other urban parks, but instead maintained so wilderness values are enhanced."

Attraction:

"The collections found inside include one of the world's largest collections of mammal fossils. Additionally, Elephant Hall offers a remarkable display of modern and fossil elephants along with a mural of Ice Age mammoths. Visit the Age of Dinosaurs in the interactive Mesozoic Gallery. Learn how evolution works in the new Explore Evolution Gallery. The Galleries of Ancient Life, Plains Indians and Hall of Nebraska Wildlife further interpret Nebraska's natural historic past. A hands-on Discovery Center is a favorite for kids of all ages.Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday and holidays
The Planetarium is closed on Mondays and UNL home football Saturdays.
Cost: $5 for adults; $3 for children over 4 years old; $10 for families. Planetarium fulldome shows are an additional cost."

Attraction:

Attraction:

"Arbor Lodge, an elegant, 52-room neocolonial mansion, is the centerpiece of Arbor
Poinsettias decorate the grand staircase and the mansion's foyer during the holidays.
Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City. This gleaming white residence of J. Sterling Morton and his wife, Caroline, and its acres of stately oaks, maples, chestnuts and pines stand as monuments to this notable Nebraskan and his love for trees."